Rayon Sports came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Panthère du Ndé in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie in Yaoundé on Friday.
Playing at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Omnisports Stadium, the Cameroonian side made the better start and took the lead in the 14th minute through Valentin Beo Batto.
Panthère looked set to carry their advantage into the second leg, but Rayon Sports found a way back into the game with 16 minutes remaining. Junior Kameni equalised in the 74th minute, leaving the tie finely balanced.
The hosts had chances to put the game beyond Rayon but lacked the finishing touch when it mattered. Rayon, meanwhile, grew into the match as it opened up and made their pressure count.
The draw leaves everything to play for in the return leg, with neither side able to establish an advantage.
Rayon Sports will now have home advantage when the teams meet again in Kigali on 12 September. The Rwandan side will need to turn that advantage into a result if they are to progress to the second preliminary round.
For Panthère, the task is straightforward: improve their finishing and find a way to score away from home.
After Friday’s 1-1 draw, neither side has given the other much room for error.
